Back to the Basics: Female Condoms and Global Female Condom Day

With Global Female Condom Day right around the corner it’s time we get back to basics. Nationwide one in six people have herpes and over 19 million will contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year. 

This means when it comes to contraception, people need different methods at different times in their lives that protect against both unintended pregnancy and STIs. For safer sex, Planned Parenthood thinks the more options, the better.

Why internal condoms?

Internal condoms, or female condoms (FCs), are the only contraceptive barrier method where the receptive partner is in control. This means you can feel empowered to take back control of your sex life and your health! Also, internal condoms are prescription free, hormone free and latex free option for both anal and vaginal sex.

What we love about FCs

No interruptions please: FCs can be inserted hours before vaginal sex so nothing will interrupt the heat of the moment! Unlike male condoms, FCs don’t require an erect penis which means your partner doesn’t have to pull out right away which often allows men to feel less constricted during sex.

Hot, hot, hot: Made of nitrile, FCs adjust to your body temperature so you and your partner can feel the heat! Plus, during vaginal sex the internal ring can stimulate the head of a penis and the outer ring can stimulate the clitoris for double the pleasure.

Top Tips

Remember being nervous the first time you tried something new? Internal condoms are the same way, but practice makes perfect! Here are some recommendations when first trying FCs:

-Use lots of lube to ensure that sex goes smoothly and the condom doesn’t move.

-Try inserting a FC several times, alone or before any sex act, to feel comfortable with the product. Third times a charm!

-Never use a male and female condom at the same time. It actually increases the likelihood of breakage and always be sure to check the expiration date before use.

Get Involved

Find a Planned Parenthood health center near you to pick up your own to try or visit www.ringonit.org to learn more about staying safe. Take the pledge to join us in advocating for FCs in your own community and join us as we celebrate Global Female Condom Day with radio personality Loni Swain!

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

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Volunteers Push Female Condom for National Condom Week

During National Condom Week, Planned Parenthood Action Team members in Chicago participated in a training to become Female Condom Advocates. Action Team members received an education session from a Planned Parenthood of Illinois Community Educator about Female Condoms- an effective barrier method of contraception that protects against unintended pregnancy and STIs.

Volunteers were pleasantly surprised to learn that the design of the Female Condom provides additional STI protection by reducing skin to skin contact between partners. PPIL’s Educator taught volunteers the proper way to correctly and consistently use Female Condoms (FC2s) while highlighting that this is an effective prevention method for any receptive partner regardless of gender.

Action Team members learned more than just the medical facts. Female Condoms are an effective method of contraception, but they can also be sexy! FC2s are made from nitrile, a material that conducts heat and adjusts to the body of the receptive partner. Nitrile makes FC2s hypoallergenic and a great option for individuals who need to avoid latex. The inner and outer rings of FC2s have also been said to increase stimulation for both partners.

Volunteers were able to put this new FC2 knowledge into action right away. They created photo petitions in support of Female Condoms and the Chicago Female Condom Campaign. Action Team members shared messages like “Safe Sex is Sexy” and “I love Female Condoms because they are queer friendly and good for all genders.” Protecting oneself and having options for this protection were clearly important to our volunteers.

And the fun didn’t stop there! Action Team members were trained on how to advocate for Chicago pharmacies to carry FC2s. Volunteers hit the pavement and checked their local pharmacy shelves for FC2s. They dropped off Valentine’s to the pharmacists and asked them to begin carrying FC2s. They celebrated and showed appreciation to the pharmacies that already have FC2s available. In one week, nine volunteers took action at 31 Chicago pharmacies!

The Planned Parenthood Action Team is a grassroots group of individuals who stand with Planned Parenthood and work with us to make sure every individual has the rights, the knowledge, and the access to healthcare they need to make their own reproductive choices.

Are you interested in taking action with us? There are active Action Teams in Chicago, Peoria, and Bloomington. Apply online today!

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

STI Prevention: Resolution introduced in House

Last month we reported on the outrageous statistics related to teen girls and sexually transmitted infection (STIs) rates in the U.S. In light of the shocking numbers, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) has introduced a bi-partisan resolution calling on the House of Representatives to focus greater attention on activities related to the prevention, testing and treatment of STIs. The resolution would also encourage the federal government, states, and localities to provide additional funding for screening and treatment services. Rep. Tubbs Jones was joined by nearly 60 of her colleagues in introducing this resolution.

Rep. Tubbs Jones had this to say:

We can no longer be silent about this issue. The abstinence-only education touted by the Bush Administration is simply not enough. We must be able to talk candidly with our children about the dangers of STDs so that they understand the risks involved with unprotected sex and equip them with the knowledge and tools
to protect themselves.

We applaud her efforts and hope this resolution will pass post-haste.

Read more: Learn more about Rep. Tubbs Jones' efforts on her website.

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